
Special driving situations
Fig. 110 A: vehicle in a bend B: motorbike in front is outside the range of the laser sensor
Fig. 111 Vehicles changing lanes
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The city emergency brake function has physical and system-specific limits. In certain situations, the 
driver may therefore feel that the city emergency brake function reacts too late or unexpectedly. 
You should therefore always be prepared to take full control of the vehicle if necessary.
The following driving situations demand particular vigilance:
When driving through bends
When driving into or out of a long bend, the laser sensor may react to a vehicle in the adjacent lane 
⇒ Fig. 110A and thus brake the vehicle. The braking effect can be stopped by pressing the 
accelerator or clutch pedal or by steering the vehicle.
Narrow vehicles and a zig-zag traffic situation
Narrow vehicles and vehicles travelling slightly to the left or right of your vehicle will only be 
recognised by the laser sensor once they have entered the range of the sensor ⇒ Fig. 110B. This 
particularly applies to narrow vehicles such as motorcycles.
When other vehicles change lanes
Vehicles that are very close to you when they move into your lane could cause the city emergency 
brake function to be applied unexpectedly ⇒ Fig. 111. The braking effect can be stopped by 
pressing the accelerator or clutch pedal or by steering the vehicle.
Possible laser sensor function impairments
The city emergency brake function will switch off temporarily if the function of the laser sensor is 
impaired due to heavy rain, spray, snow or mud, for example. The indicator lamp  will flash in 
the instrument cluster display.
The city emergency brake function is ready to work again as soon as the laser sensor returns to 
normal function. The indicator lamp  goes out.
The following conditions could prevent the city emergency brake function 
from reacting:
•If ESC is active.
•In tight bends.
•If the vehicle is reversing.
•When you drive faster than 30 km/h for a few seconds.
•If the accelerator is fully depressed.
•If the city emergency brake function is switched off or if there is a fault in the system ⇒ Warning 
and indicator lamps.
•If the laser sensor is dirty, covered or overheated ⇒ Laser sensor.
•In snow, heavy rain or thick fog.
•If vehicles are travelling slightly to the left or right of your vehicle.
•If vehicles are crossing in front of your vehicle.
Accidents and serious injuries could occur if you do not switch off the city emergency brake 
function during any of the situations named above.
•Switch off the city emergency brake function during critical driving situations.
WARNING 

•If vehicles are travelling towards you in the same lane.
•If the surrounding vehicles are very dirty and therefore not very reflective.
•If there is a lot of dust.
Air conditioning system
Heating, ventilating, cooling
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Controls
⇒ General information on the heating and fresh air system
⇒ Information on the air conditioning system
⇒ Vents
⇒ Air recirculation mode
Dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter reduces the level of impurities in the outside air entering the vehicle.
The dust and pollen filter must be changed regularly to avoid impairing the performance of the air 
conditioning system.
The dust and pollen filter must be changed more frequently than stated in the service schedule if 
the efficiency of the filter declines prematurely due to the vehicle being used in areas with high 
levels of air pollution.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Volkswagen information system ⇒ Volkswagen information system
•Windscreen wiper/washer ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
If the cooling system is switched off, the outside air that is drawn into the vehicle is not 
dehumidified. To prevent the windows misting over, Volkswagen recommends that you leave the air 
conditioning (compressor) switched on. Press the  button. The indicator lamp in the button 
must light up.
Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows as quickly as possible, is only 
available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
Poor visibility through all windows increases the risk of collisions and accidents, which can 
cause serious injuries.
•Always ensure that all windows are free of ice, snow and mist to ensure good visibility.
•Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows as quickly as possible, is 
only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature. Do not start your 
journey until you have good visibility.
•Always ensure that the heating and fresh air system or the air conditioning system and the 
heated rear window are used correctly in order to have good visibility.
•Never use the air recirculation mode for an extended period. If the cooling system is 
switched off, the windows can mist up very quickly in air recirculation mode and reduce 
visibility considerably.
•Always switch off the air recirculation mode when it is not required.
WARNING
Stale air can quickly cause tiredness and lack of concentration in the driver, which in turn can 
cause collisions, accidents and serious injuries.
•Never switch off the blowers or switch on the air recirculation mode for an extended period 
as this prevents fresh air from entering the vehicle interior.
WARNING
•Switch off the air conditioning system if you suspect that it has been damaged. This can 
help to prevent further damage. The air conditioning system should be checked by a 
qualified workshop.
•Repairs to the air conditioning system require specialist knowledge and special tools. 
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
NOTICE 

Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and leaves to ensure 
heating and cooling is not impaired, and to prevent the windows from misting over.
Controls
Fig. 112 In the centre console: rotary controls for the heating and fresh air system
Fig. 113 In the centre console: air conditioning controls
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Button, 
control
Additional information. Heating and fresh air system 
⇒ Fig. 112 and air conditioning system ⇒ Fig. 113.
Temperature ①.
Turn the regulator to set the temperature as required.
 ... 
Blowers ②.Setting 0: blower and system switched off, setting 4: highest blower setting.
Air distribution ③.Turn the control to direct the airflow exactly as required.
④Air conditioning system: slider for the air recirculation mode ⇒ Air 
recirculation mode.
Heating and fresh air system: defrost function. Air distribution to the 
windscreen and the side windows around the exterior mirrors.
Air conditioning system: defrost function. Air distribution to the windscreen 
and the side windows around the exterior mirrors. press the  button, 
increase the blower level and switch the air recirculation mode ⇒ Air 
recirculation mode off, in order to remove condensation from the windscreen 
as quickly as possible.
Air distribution to the upper body via the air vents in the dash panel.
Air distribution to the footwell.
Heating and fresh air system, air conditioning system: air distribution to the 
windscreen and in the footwell.
Air conditioning system: Press the button to switch the cooling system on or 
off.
Rear window heating
The button for the rear window heating  is located in the centre console. The rear window 
heating only functions when the engine is running and will switch off automatically after 
approximately 10 minutes.
Stale air can quickly cause tiredness and lack of concentration in the driver, which in turn can 
cause collisions, accidents and serious injuries.
•Never switch off the blowers or switch on the air recirculation mode for an extended period 
as this prevents fresh air from entering the vehicle interior.
WARNING 

General information on the heating and fresh air system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The required interior temperature cannot be lower than the outside temperature as the heating and 
fresh air system cannot cool or dehumidify the air.
Settings for optimal road visibility
•Set blower ⇒ Fig. 112② to level 1 or 2.
•Open and position all vents on the dash panel ⇒ Vents.
•Turn the air distribution controller ⇒ Fig. 112③ to the defrost position.
Information on the air conditioning system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The cooling system for the vehicle interior only works when the engine is running and the blower is 
switched on.
The air conditioning system operates most effectively with the windows and the electric panorama 
sliding and tilting glass roof closed. However, if the vehicle has heated up after standing in the sun 
for some time, the air inside can be cooled more quickly by opening the windows and the electric 
panorama sliding and tilting glass roof for a short time.
Settings for optimal road visibility
Switching the cooling system on not only reduces the temperature of the vehicle interior, but also 
the humidity. This improves comfort for the vehicle occupants and prevents the windows from 
misting when the outside humidity is high.
•Switch off air recirculation mode ⇒ Air recirculation mode.
•Set the blowers to the required level.
•Open and position all vents on the dash panel ⇒ Vents.
•Turn the air distribution controller to the defrost position.
•Press the  button to switch the cooling system on. The indicator lamp in the button 
lights up.
The cooling system cannot be switched on
The following criteria may prevent the cooling system from being switched on:
•The engine is not running.
•The blower is switched off.
•The air conditioning system fuse has blown.
•The ambient temperature is lower than approximately +2℃ (+36°F).
•The compressor has been temporarily switched off because the coolant temperature is too high.
•There is a different fault in the vehicle. The air conditioning system should be checked by a 
qualified workshop.
Things to note
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation can drip off the 
evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is normal and does 
not indicate a leak.
The windscreen may mist up after starting the engine due to residual humidity in the air 
conditioning system. Switch the defrost function on in order to clear the windscreen of condensation 
or mist as quickly as possible.
Vents
Fig. 114 In the dash panel: vents
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction 

Explanation of the warnings on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaning
Always wear eye protection!
Electrolyte is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear protective gloves 
and eye protection!
No fires, sparks, naked lights or smoking!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery 
is charging!
Always keep children away from acid and the vehicle battery!
Additional information and warnings:
•⇒BookletService schedule,
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine 
compartment
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs 
and renewal of parts
After starting the engine with a discharged vehicle battery, or after the battery has been 
changed, system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and programming) may have 
been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the vehicle battery has 
been sufficiently charged.
Warning lamp
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Fault in the alternator.Proceed to a qualified workshop. The 
electrical system should be checked.
Switch off all electrical equipment that is not 
required. The vehicle battery will not be 
charged by the alternator while the vehicle is 
in motion.
Any work on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical burns, 
fire and electric shocks. Always read the following warnings and safety information before 
carrying out any kind of work:
•Switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers before carrying out any work on the 
vehicle battery and also disconnect the negative cable from the vehicle battery.
•Children should always be kept away from electrolyte and the vehicle battery.
•Always wear eye protection.
•Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When 
working with the battery, protect your hands, arms and particularly your face from acid 
spillages.
•Do not smoke during the work, and never work near naked flames or sparks.
•When handling cables and electrical equipment, avoid generating sparks and electrostatic 
charge.
•Never short circuit the battery poles.
•Never use a damaged vehicle battery. It can explode. Damaged vehicle batteries must be 
replaced as soon as possible.
•Damaged or frozen vehicle batteries must be replaced immediately. Discharged vehicle 
batteries can even freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).
WARNING
•Do not allow direct sunlight onto the vehicle battery for an extended period as the UV rays 
could damage the battery housing.
•If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect the vehicle battery 
from frost. If it freezes it will be damaged.
NOTICE
Operation of the vehicle for a very long time at very high outside temperatures can lead to 
vehicle battery damage.
NOTICE 

recommends that the protective coating on the underside of the vehicle and on the running gear 
should be checked regularly and repaired if necessary.
Cleaning the engine compartment
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area ⇒ Preparation for working in the 
engine compartment.
The engine compartment should be cleaned by a qualified workshop. An incorrect cleaning 
procedure could possibly remove corrosion protection and damage electrical components. 
Furthermore, water could enter the vehicle interior directly via the plenum chamber ⇒.
If the engine compartment is very dirty, we recommend that you always proceed to a qualified 
workshop to have it cleaned by a professional mechanic. Volkswagen recommends using a 
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Plenum chamber
The plenum chamber is located in the engine compartment between the windscreen and the engine 
and has a perforated cover. Air from outside is drawn in from the plenum chamber and is passed 
into the vehicle interior via the heating and air conditioning system.
Leaves and other loose objects must be removed from the cover of the plenum chamber at regular 
intervals using a vacuum cleaner or by hand.
In the interests of environmental protection, the engine compartment should be washed only 
in specially provided wash bays. This prevents toxic waste water containing oil, grease and fuel 
from entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing the engine compartment anywhere 
else may be prohibited.
Cleaning and caring for the interior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Seat covers
⇒ Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara upholstery
⇒ Cleaning and caring for natural leather covers
⇒ Cleaning leatherette upholstery
⇒ Cleaning stowage compartments, drink holders and ash trays
⇒ Cleaning and caring for the dash panel, wooden trims and plastic parts
⇒ Cleaning seat belts
Modern fabrics, such as dark denim, are often not colourfast. Light-coloured upholstery (soft 
materials or leather) is particularly sensitive to staining caused by these fabrics, even if you are 
careful. This is not caused by a fault in the upholstery, but by the non-colourfast nature of the 
garments.
Leaving stains, dirt and other deposits on the surface of vehicle components and cloth seat covers 
for a long time can make it difficult to clean and treat them. Stains, dirt and deposits may become 
impossible to remove, particularly if left for a long time.
Additional information and warnings:
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Underseal and anti-corrosion coatings can ignite on the hot exhaust system or on other hot 
engine parts.
•Never apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, 
heat shields or other vehicle components that become hot.
CAUTION
All work in the engine compartment carries the risk of injury, scalding, accidents and fire.
•Before carrying out any work ensure that you are familiar with the requisite procedures 
and general safety regulations ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment.
•Volkswagen recommends having the work carried out by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Water that has entered the plenum chamber via a manual process (e.g. from a high-pressure 
cleaner) can cause considerable damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE 

Cleaning and caring for the dash panel, wooden trims and plastic 
parts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with water and clean the parts.
•Treat plastic parts (inside and outside the vehicle) and the dash panel with a special solvent-
free plastic cleaning and care product that has been approved by Volkswagen ⇒.
•Treat wooden trims with a mild soap solution.
•Clean the mount for the portable navigation device using a dry cloth only.
Cleaning seat belts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Large particles of dirt on the automatic belt prevent it from rolling back properly and thus from 
working effectively.
The seat belts must never be removed for cleaning purposes.
•Remove dirt with a soft brush ⇒.
•Carefully pull the dirty seat belt right out and leave it out.
•Clean the seat belt with a mild soap solution.
•Allow the seat belt fabric to dry completely.
•Do not allow the seat belt to roll up until it has dried completely.
Wheels and tyres
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Handling wheels and tyres
⇒ Rims
⇒ New wheels and tyres
⇒ Tyre pressure
⇒ Tread depth and wear indicators
⇒ Tyre damage
⇒ Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel
⇒ Tyre lettering
⇒ Winter tyres
⇒ Snow chains
Volkswagen recommends that work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a qualified workshop. 
They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary special tools and spare parts and the 
Cleaning agents that contain solvents cause the surface of the airbag modules to become 
porous. In an accident that triggers the airbag, loose plastic parts can cause serious injury.
•Never clean the dash panel or the airbag covers with cleansers that contain solvents.
WARNING
When cleaning the dash panel, ensure that the contacts for the portable navigation device do 
not become wet as this could cause damage to the electrical system.
NOTICE
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing or any other part of the seat 
belt becomes damaged have it removed and replaced immediately by a qualified workshop. 
Damaged seat belts are very dangerous and can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•Never use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts or their components. Furthermore 
the seat belts may not come into contact with corrosive fluids, solvents or sharp objects. 
These could considerably weaken the webbing.
•After cleaning, allow seat belts to dry completely before rolling them up. Otherwise the 
automatic belt retractors could become damaged and thus impair their function.
•Never let any foreign bodies or liquids enter the slot for the seat belt buckle. This could 
prevent the belt buckle and seat belt from working properly.
•Never try to repair, modify or remove the seat belts yourself.
•Damaged seat belts must be replaced immediately with seat belts approved by 
Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Seat belts subjected to stress and stretched during an 
accident must be replaced by a qualified workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if 
there is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be checked.
WARNING 

The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The tyres and rims approved 
by Volkswagen are specifically matched to the characteristics of the vehicle and make a major 
contribution to good road holding and safe handling.
Avoiding damage to the tyres
•If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive slowly and at a right angle if possible.
•Inspect the tyres regularly for damage such as cuts, cracks or blisters.
•Remove foreign objects that are in the outer tyre tread and have not penetrated the inner 
tyre⇒ Tyre damage.
•Always respond to any warning messages given by the tyre monitoring system.
•Damaged or worn tyres must be replaced immediately ⇒ Tyre damage.
•Regularly check the tyres for hidden damage ⇒ Tyre damage.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the tyres that are fitted ⇒ Tyre lettering.
•Protect the wheels, including the spare wheel, from contact with corrosive substances, including 
oils, lubricants, fuel and brake fluid ⇒.
•Replace missing dust caps immediately.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been developed to roll in one direction only. An arrow on 
the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread ⇒ Tyre lettering. 
The direction of rotation must be adhered to. This is the only guarantee for optimum grip and helps 
to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
If, however, the tyre is fitted in the opposite direction to the tread pattern, you must take more care 
when driving as the tyre is now no longer being used according to its designation. This is 
particularly important on wet roads. The tyres must be replaced as quickly as possible or be fitted 
with the tread in the correct direction.
Rotating wheels front to rear
Regularly rotating the wheels as shown in the illustration ⇒ Fig. 130 is recommended to help 
ensure that tyres wear evenly. All the tyres will then last for about the same time.
Volkswagen recommends having the wheels changed by a qualified workshop.
Tyres that are older than 6 years
Tyres age through physical and chemical processes that can impair their function. Tyres that are 
stored unused for an extended period will harden and become brittle more quickly than tyres which 
are in constant use.
Volkswagen recommends replacing tyres that are older than 6 years with new tyres. This also 
applies to tyres, including the spare wheel, which appear to still be in good condition and whose 
tread depth has not yet reached the minimum value stipulated by legislation ⇒.
The age of a tyre can be determined from the manufacturing date, which is a component of the tyre 
identification number () ⇒ Tyre lettering.
Storing tyres
Mark tyres before you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation. This ensures you will be 
able to mount them correctly when you replace them (left, right, front, rear). When removed, the 
wheels or tyres should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark place. Do not store tyres 
mounted on the rim vertically.
Any tyres not fitted on rims should be kept in suitable sleeves to protect against dirt and should be 
stored vertically (standing on the tread).
Old tyres should be disposed of as required by legislation.
Corrosive liquids and other substances can cause visible and invisible damage to the tyres, 
which can cause the tyre to burst.
•Always keep chemicals, oils, lubricants, fuel, brake fluid and other corrosive substances 
away from the tyres.
WARNING
Old tyres – even if they have not been used – can suddenly lose pressure or burst, especially 
at high speeds, and thus cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Avoid using tyres that are more than six years old. If you have no alternative, drive slowly 
and with extra care at all times.
WARNING